Dhaka: Bangladesh has formally summoned a senior Indian diplomat in Dhaka to protest the alleged detention and questioning of a government adviser at New Delhi airport, in a move that has further strained already sensitive bilateral relations. According to officials, Strategy Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman, associated with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration, was stopped upon arrival in India and questioned for several hours before being allowed to proceed to a conference.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman termed the incident “unexpected and unfortunate,” and Dhaka conveyed its concerns to Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe on Monday. The Indian foreign ministry has not issued an immediate response.
The episode comes amid a fragile diplomatic climate between the two neighbours, with ties still unsettled following last year’s political transition in Bangladesh. Relations have been further complicated by ongoing disputes over border management and allegations from Dhaka regarding alleged “push-in” of undocumented migrants across the frontier by Indian authorities.
Despite recent talks between border agencies aimed at improving coordination and intelligence-sharing, both sides continue to face friction over migration enforcement and security procedures, underscoring persistent volatility in bilateral engagement.